Tanzanians have been urged to appreciate and utilise expanding opportunities available at the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr. Titus Kamani said over the weekend that there is a need for Tanzanians to know a significant economic contribution by EPZs to the country and utilize the areas for investment.
The Minister was visiting the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) pavilion at the ongoing 38th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade fair grounds.
“People should know tremendous job you are doing for the good of the nation,” he said.
He said that EPZA’s endeavours towards industrialisation are inspiring because it is industries that create jobs and act as a catalyst to other sectors.
“It is industries that add value to various products before exporting which helps the country earning more,” he said, adding that Tanzania now hopes to perform better on this front.
He hailed the management of EPZA for making their areas one of the leading attractions for investment both local and foreign.
Various industries working in EPZA areas participate in the trade fair.
Some of them are Mazava, Tanzania Tooku Garments Co. Ltd, Fresh Air Ltd, and Power Flour Ltd.
When visiting DITF over the weekend, President Jakaya Kikwete passed at the EPZA pavilion and briefed on the progress made by the authority.
Earlier last week, the authority was named a winner in the two categories of Best SMEs Development and Trade Support Organisation and a Best Export Product Exhibitors.
The EPZA Director General, Dr. Adelhelm Meru said the awards were a result of the efforts by his authority to serve both local and foreign investors.
“This is a clear testimony of our services in Tanzania and beyond,” he said.
He said that EPZA put its weight in creating conducive environment for investors to pour their money in establishing industries knowing clearly that without a strong base of industries, no meaningful progress can be achieved.
He explained that one of the priorities of the nation’s development plan is creation of viable industries which will be able to stimulate other sectors of the economy to progress.
“We are committed in supporting the government’s development plan by actions,” he said.
On average, about 55 percent of industries established under the EPZA deals with agriculture value addition and textile processing.
